Water-sewer bill passes second hurdle

Published: Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 6:19 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 6:19 p.m.

Legislation to combine Henderson County’s sewer system with utilities in Buncombe County and Asheville has passed the North Carolina Senate for the second time, with a few modifications.

After an expected third and final vote on Monday, the bill will return to the N.C. House for concurrence.

“If we concur, then the bill is sent to the governor, and he has something like 10 days to sign it because we’re in session,” said Rep. Chuck McGrady, who co-sponsored the bill to create a regional water and sewer authority with two Republican colleagues.

House Bill 488 passed the Senate on its second reading Thursday. The Senate Finance Committee earlier dropped language that granted a regional water and sewer authority board the power to levy and collect taxes, a move designed to appease the concerns of some local officials.

<p>Legislation to combine Henderson County's sewer system with utilities in Buncombe County and Asheville has passed the North Carolina Senate for the second time, with a few modifications.</p><p>After an expected third and final vote on Monday, the bill will return to the N.C. House for concurrence.</p><p>“If we concur, then the bill is sent to the governor, and he has something like 10 days to sign it because we're in session,” said Rep. Chuck McGrady, who co-sponsored the bill to create a regional water and sewer authority with two Republican colleagues.</p><p>House Bill 488 passed the Senate on its second reading Thursday. The Senate Finance Committee earlier dropped language that granted a regional water and sewer authority board the power to levy and collect taxes, a move designed to appease the concerns of some local officials.</p>